Director of Data & Insights

First 5 Alameda County•Alameda, CA

14h•$139,000 - $201,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Data & Insights leads the Agency's data systems, architecture, and analytics strategy to support informed decision-making and organizational effectiveness. The Director works collaboratively across divisions to ensure data systems, analytics, and reporting align with organizational priorities and operational needs, while partnering with Evaluation leadership to translate data governance into technical standards, data architecture, reporting tools, and sustainable data practices that foster a data-informed culture. Under general direction, this position provides strategic leadership for the Agency's data warehouse, advances the transition from manual processes to automated and self-service data solutions, and oversees the development of scalable data systems and reporting capabilities. Lead the Data Services team by setting priorities aligned with Agency goals; managing staff, budget, contracts, vendors, and projects; and supporting organizational strategy and continuous improvement. Establish project management and performance practices that strengthen team capacity, accountability, and data services delivery. Lead the Agency's analytics and data strategy, including reporting, mapping, dashboards, external data, and longitudinal data systems that support Local Tax Initiative priorities and organizational decision-making. Establish data quality standards, documentation, validation processes, and evaluate new technologies, including AI, consistent with the Agency's data governance framework. Provide strategic leadership for the Agency's data warehouse, data architecture, data pipelines, API integrations, and data engineering to ensure reliable, scalable systems. Ensure data products are accurate, accessible, high quality, and clearly communicate organizational performance and outcomes. Lead the Agency's data and reporting strategy, including dashboards, self-service reporting, data visualization standards, training, and user support. Partner with program teams to develop reporting and decision-support tools that improve planning, performance, and decision-making. Build partnerships across the Agency and with external organizations to advance data initiatives, strengthen data literacy, and promote a data-informed culture. Oversee the process for prioritizing and fulfilling data requests, balancing day-to-day needs with long-term strategic priorities. Provide strategic oversight of workload, capacity planning, and service delivery while delegating daily request management to the data team. Lead the responsible use of AI by establishing standards for privacy, quality, governance, and human oversight in partnership with the Evaluation team.

Requirements

Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in data analytics, data engineering, business intelligence, or a closely related technical field, including at least five (5) years in a management-level or senior leadership capacity with full team and budget accountability and completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in public policy, data, evaluation, or a closely related field.
Additional relevant work experience may be substituted to meet the college coursework/bachelor's degree standard.
Proficiency with BI and data visualization platforms (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, Looker or equivalent); demonstrated experience designing and launching self-service analytics environments.
Experience with data processing and analysis tools such as R, Python, SQL, or equivalent; ability to work alongside and technically direct data engineering staff.
Understanding of data governance implementation, translating policy frameworks into technical standards, access controls, and data quality practices.
Strong executive communication skills; able to translate complex technical concepts and trade-offs clearly for non-technical audiences including senior leadership and the Commission.
Demonstrated ability to build trust and credibility across a mission-driven organization where data culture is still developing.
Skilled at balancing strategic vision with operational discipline; comfortable delegating execution while maintaining accountability for outcomes.
Knowledgeable about AI tools and their application in data and analytics workflows; able to evaluate appropriate use cases, assess risks related to data privacy and output quality, and lead the team in adopting AI responsibly and effectively.
Motivated by public accountability, racial equity, and the mission of early childhood investment.
Ability to lead organizational change initiatives related to data systems, technology, and data-driven culture, including stakeholder engagement, communication, training, and user adoption.
Manage technology vendors, contracts, procurement processes, budgets, and vendor performance to ensure successful project delivery and accountability.
Lead enterprise data warehouse implementations or major data infrastructure modernization initiatives from strategic planning through delivery.
Build collaborative relationships with executive leadership, cross-functional teams, technology partners, and external stakeholders to advance organizational data initiatives.
Apply sound judgment when working with sensitive, confidential, and community-based data while maintaining a strong commitment to data governance, privacy, security, and equity.
Effectively operate within a mission-driven environment while balancing strategic priorities, regulatory requirements, and community needs.
All First 5 employees must live and work in California.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with geospatial analysis and mapping tools is desirable.

Responsibilities

Lead the Data Services team by setting priorities aligned with Agency goals; managing staff, budget, contracts, vendors, and projects; and supporting organizational strategy and continuous improvement.
Establish project management and performance practices that strengthen team capacity, accountability, and data services delivery.
Lead the Agency's analytics and data strategy, including reporting, mapping, dashboards, external data, and longitudinal data systems that support Local Tax Initiative priorities and organizational decision-making.
Establish data quality standards, documentation, validation processes, and evaluate new technologies, including AI, consistent with the Agency's data governance framework.
Provide strategic leadership for the Agency's data warehouse, data architecture, data pipelines, API integrations, and data engineering to ensure reliable, scalable systems.
Ensure data products are accurate, accessible, high quality, and clearly communicate organizational performance and outcomes.
Lead the Agency's data and reporting strategy, including dashboards, self-service reporting, data visualization standards, training, and user support.
Partner with program teams to develop reporting and decision-support tools that improve planning, performance, and decision-making.
Build partnerships across the Agency and with external organizations to advance data initiatives, strengthen data literacy, and promote a data-informed culture.
Oversee the process for prioritizing and fulfilling data requests, balancing day-to-day needs with long-term strategic priorities.
Provide strategic oversight of workload, capacity planning, and service delivery while delegating daily request management to the data team.
Lead the responsible use of AI by establishing standards for privacy, quality, governance, and human oversight in partnership with the Evaluation team.

Benefits

Medical, Dental, & Vision Coverage
$1,500 credit per year to spend on benefits
Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
Employer Paid & Voluntary Life & AD&D Insurance
Long-Term Disability Insurance
Retirement Plans including the ACERA Pension Plan
Commuter Benefits
Employee Assistance Plan
paid vacation
paid time off
sick time
17 paid holidays including the week between Christmas Day and New Year's Day as paid time off